Notice To The Industry

In order to expedite the licensing process and to promote easier entry into the industry, the SC Board of Directors has approved the following recommendations from the By-Laws/Regulations/Licensing Committee to the SC Membership, Licensing and Racing Policies, effective May 1, 2019.

The biggest change was to remove the previous licensing experience where applicants were required to have held a groom's licence for two full years within the past five years. The prior experience will now be measured with the additional required reference letters, which must be signed by licensed drivers, trainers or race officials.

14.20 First Time Applicant "A" Trainer Licence - To be eligible for an "A" category trainer licence for the first time, the applicant must:

(a) Have attained 16 years of age;
(b) Submit a completed application;
(c) Have four (4) favourable recommendations from licensed drivers, "A" trainers or race officials in response to six confidential reference letters provided by the Association;
(d) Submit to a physical and eye examination valid within the prior twelve (12) months, the cost of which is the responsibility of the applicant;
(e) Submit to a written examination and achieve a passing grade.

Ontario residents applying for an "A" trainer licence must first obtain a "C" trainer licence.

14.21 First Time Applicant "C" Trainer Licence - To be eligible for a "C" category of trainer licence for the first time, the applicant must:

a) Have a minimum of four (4) favourable reference letters on file from currently licensed "A" trainers and/or drivers;
b) Submit a satisfactory physical and eye examination, the cost of which is the responsibility of the applicant;
c) File a recommendation from the panel of regional judges to write the trainer examination;
d) Successfully complete the written trainer examination and achieve a passing grade of 75% or better;
e) Receive a recommendation from the examination supervisor and successfully complete the Standardbred Canada practical examination and achieve a passing grade of 75% or better.

The judges may impose any conditions on the holder of a "C" licence as deemed appropriate. This licence must be held for a minimum period of six (6) months before applying to the judges for an upgrade to an "A" licence.